Virtual Smooches: CAS Sympathy Card

Hello, friends:}

Today is my day to share a video over on the  Paper Smooches video blog- Virtual Smooches! 

I had the coolest idea for a gift for a baby shower project for today's video, but I got a call last night that a family friend had passed away. So I decided to share my process in making this CAS sympathy card.

Honestly, sympathy cards are one of the hardest projects for me! I never know what to put on them! 

Here's a sneak peek of my video:

THANKS so much for stopping by--- be sure to go HERE for my video! Be blessed:}

WINNNNNNNNNNNER:)

Hello, friends:)

Sorry I'm a bit late in posting my Season's of Giving Blog Hop winner! 

THANK YOU for all of your sweet comments on my video! I'm glad I could make you laugh:)

The winner of the $15 Paper Smooches gift certificate is.....

Kim Potts said...

LOL, I had fun watching your bloopers video. Thanks for sharing and for the PS giveaway! 

kimpotts1026@gmail.com

JANUARY 1, 2015 AT 8:08 PM

Congrats, Kim P!! Please email me {savannahland2 at comcast dot net} to claim your prize. You have 48 hours. 


That's it for me today! Be sure to stop by soon!! Be blessed:) 

Whisker Graphics: DIY Scarf

Hello, friends:}

Today I'm sharing my Whisker Graphics creation that is featured on the WG blog-- you can also read about this creation over on the WG blog HERE.

The season: Winter. The weather here in Florida: mid 80's. BUT...I'm ALWAYS cold! So when I saw THIS tutorial on how to make a scarf using fleece and yarn, I knew I could use my FAVORITE WG divine twine to make a fashionable scarf to wear:) 

I followed the tutorial on THIS blog but swapped the yarn for WG Coral Solid and Gold Metallic divine twine. This was so easy that I completed this project while riding in a car on Christmas Eve! Here's how I made this scarf: 

1. Cut about 60+ strands of divine twine that are about 18 inches long. Set aside. 
2. Cut your fleece to create clean/nice edges. *My scarf is 10 inches by 60 inches. 
3. Cut small holes all along each of the ends of the scarf.
• Fold one edge end up about 1/4 of an inch. 
• Create SMALL holes using sharp scissors and snipping the fabric every 1/4 of a inch.
• Repeat for the other end of scarf.
4. Create tassels and attach to scarf.
• Gather together 2 or 3 strands of divine twine and fold in half. *It doesn't matter if it's exactly in half. These strands will be trimmed later:) 
• Take crochet hook and place it through a hole and grab the divine twine and pull it back through.
• Take the tails of the divine twine and thread it through the loop. *Do not pull hard, but gently pull your divine twine to secure it in place.
• Repeat for each hole and end of scarf.
  
5. To finish your scarf, use a rotary cutter and ruler to trim the ends evenly. *You can also add a bit of fray-check to the ends of your divine twine to make sure they don't fray:) 

That's it for me today! And be sure to stop by the WG blog for more inspiration. Also-- did you know about Whisker Graphics's new products??? Like bitty bags with GOLD designs! ACK! LOOOOOOVE LOOOOOOVE LOOOOOOVE! Check it out HERE! 

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

Paper Smooches SPARKS: January Anything Goes (wk1) challenge

Hello, friends:}

***Please click HERE for my Season's of Giving Blog Hop and 2014 Bloopers Reel! GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!! Deadline for giveaway is Jan. 5 at 11:59pm EST! 

Today we start another weekly challenge over at Paper Smooches SPARKS blog!! Another Anything Goes challenge starts today!   

That's right--you get to create ANYTHING you want (as long as you use Paper Smooches stamps)!! This is the BEST challenge ever!!!

I actually made this card about three weeks ago... for such a time as this! I ran out of time this week to make anything new. So I'm sharing a Christmas card- LOL! I guess that is ok because I need to start making my Christmas cards EARLY... like NOW! So I actually send them out this year! LOL! 

I used the Paper Smooches Christmas Words 2 and Snowflakes dies to create this CAS holiday card. The papers are from an OLD Doodlebug pad. The sequins is from Pretty Pink Posh. Super simple-- LOVE it! 

That's it for me today--but be sure to stop by the other Paper Smooches SPARKS DT members' blogs and leave them some love. 

Katie

Larissa

Lori

Lynn

And don't forget to stop by the Paper Smooches SPARKS blog for more details. This challenge ends January 10th. Hope you join in the fun--- this is the EASIEST challenge ever!!!!!!!!

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

deep{er} #21: reflections

Hello, friends:)

***Please click HERE for my Season's of Giving Blog Hop and 2014 Bloopers Reel! GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!


Happy NEW Year!!! I hope that you had an awesome Christmas holiday and that the beginning of 2015 has been wonderful and full of positive events, news, and blessings! 

UPDATE: THANK YOU x100000 leaving so many wonderful comments on my last post about my weight loss and Christmas review! And that brings me to our next update....

We have a giveaway winner! I was sad that some of you couldn't leave a comment on my blog, so I accepted comments on Facebook as well! And because I had extra entries, I had to pick a winner the old fashioned way- pulling names out of a hat (or tub). 

Trav and Olsen actually helped me pick a name! 

And our winner is.....

Wendy Kraft said...

Thank you so much for the opportunity to win these awesome gifts. I really do enjoy your Saturday posts as this prompts me more to go deeper. Also, great job on eating better, it truly shows how how you have worked:) it is challenging as I have been on this journey since October 1st and man is it hard to be good everyday, too many treats this time of year! God bless.

DECEMBER 27, 2014 AT 3:28 AM 

Congrats, Wendy! Please send me an email (savannahland2 at comcast dot net) with your address to claim your prize! 

I wish I had enough prizes for everyone... maybe I'll have another giveaway soon:) 

And for my last update, I wanted to share a gift that my Mom got me. I was shocked! I don't know the story of how she got this book but I want to know-- so Mom, if you are reading this, text me the story:) My Mom sent me a devotional book on the Psalms, Unending Praise, written by Margaret Steinacker. Mrs. Steinacker lives in my hometown in Indiana (well, the next town over)!!! And she even signed my book! I can't wait to read it! THANKS, Mom:) 

REFLECTION: Ok.... so last week was a bit of a this and a bit of that due to it being the end of the year. My reflection will be really short (again)! 

The thing I heard over and over, and even read about, was humility. I've always wanted to be humble- I know in the Bible it says that God opposes the proud [James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5]. And I will admit that I've been puffed up before... sometimes I don't even know when pride is sitting in my heart until God points it out or until someone else does! 

For example, I didn't even know I had pride about my teeth until I went to the dentist. Normally, Trav and I don't see our dentist; our check-ups are good and we see the doctor every 2 years. Well, we have a new dentist... they took x-rays... and found 3 (THREE) cavities in my teeth! WHAT?!?!!? I hardly-never-ever have sugar or sweets... I floss like crazy... I brush regularly... how did this happen!? I was sitting in the car sulking on the way home and realized that I had pride in my teeth! Weird... but it's true. I've only had one cavity (around age 8-12) and really good reports about my teeth for 33 years. And I'm not even sure if it really is pride in my heart about my teeth (I mean really... that sounds stupid! And not something I really think about... I don't sit here saying, "I love my teeth! They are amazing! Look at your bad teeth.")... I just know that I felt convicted that I needed to humble myself that day and especially about my teeth. 

Long story I guess! But anyway...

I just want to be humble. I don't want to think more of myself than I should... I don't want to think I've got it under control, especially when I don't... I don't want pride to take root in my heart or in my job or in my life. 

This all surfaces as we literally take our first step in our new position as Worship Leaders. I guess I'm just afraid of failing. I know I can't lead without God. I know I can't do anything without Him. I just want to make sure that I'm obeying, faithful, and persistent in seeking Him. 

I know the Bible says that God opposes the proud [1 Peter 5:5]... but I need to read the next verse as well, Humble yourself before God, and TRUST Him to take care of you [1 Peter 5:6]. 

So my reflection this week... Sav, you are taking a HUGE step of faith by leading worship. You can't do it without God-- Trust in Him that He's called you to this position! Humble yourself before God and trust that He will lift you up for such a time as this--- in due time... that time is NOW! Humbly lead for God! 

My goals for this week:

1. Pray pray pray :)
2. Start reading You and Me Forever- Trav and I are doing a book study with our pastors using this book
3. Continue with Today in the Word Acts Bible study
4. Continue with chapter 3 of the Dr. David Jeremiah Agents of Apocalypse
5. Start working on my 2015 Spiritual Goals-- hopefully I can share a picture of them next week.  

I pray that God has been speaking to you--- and that you are blessed beyond what you have asked or wanted ❤️. Remember, if you need prayer, please contact me {savannahland2 at comcast dot net}. 

THANKS so much for stopping by today! Be blessed:}

Seasons Givings Blog Hop + GIVEAWAY

Hello, friends:} Happy NEW Year!!! Happy birthday, Jackson:)

***Giveaway details below! 
***Lots of info and long post below:)

Today I'm joining in the fun with a group of crafters for the Season's Givings Blog Hop! This hop is for you!!!!! We are sharing some creations, as well as a giveaway (on every blog), to say THANK YOU! 

I'm so thankful for you-- my friend! I love that you visit and are inspired by my creations. I'm sooooo thankful that you watch my videos! And your comments always make me smile- your comments make me feel extra special! THANK YOU! 

I would like to giveaway a $15 gift certificate to my FAVORITE stamp store- Paper Smooches! I will purchase the gift certificate once the winner has been chosen. 

***Watch my video and then leave a comment on this blog post to be entered in this giveaway. Deadline is 11:59pm EST Monday, January 5th. Winner will be chosen and posted on Tuesday, Jan. 6th. This giveaway is open to all!!! THANKS:} 

Today I'm sharing a special video-- it's my 2014 Bloopers! You can click HERE to check out my bloopers from last year.

***Be sure to change your settings to HD before watching! THANKS:) 

WHEW! If you made it this far- Thanks ) That's it for me today! I hope that this new year will be blessed with lots of love, joy, and happiness! Here's the blog hop list and GIVEAWAYS:

Thanks for stopping by! Be blessed:}


ps... GIVEAWAY REMINDER: don't forget to leave comments along the hop for your chance to win!! Each blog has a giveaway! **Please note-- due to spam, I have to approve my blog comments. Comments will be published at a later date.

ps2... you can follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and I also write blog posts on the Imagine Crafts, Paper Smooches, Paper Smooches SPARKS, and Virtual Smooches blogs! I'd love for you to stop by those blogs as well!!

Virtual Smooches: December RECAP

Hello, friends:} Happy NEW Year, everyone:) ***I actually have a super fun video going live on New Year's day!!! Be sure to stop back by to check it out! 

I've been sharing my Virtual Smooches videos over on the VS blog with just sneak peeks here...so I created a post with all of my December videos and creations-- just in case you've missed any! **NOTE:: Thursdays are my video days on the VS blog. Mark that in your calendar! 

***Be sure to change your settings to HD before watching! THANKS:) 

December 4: Christmas CAS part 1- Snowflake Wreath Card

PS stamps: A Blessed Christmas; PS dies: Large Snowflakes and Streamers 

December 11: Christmas CAS part 2- Reindeer Tag 3 Ways

CAS x100000

CAS with a bit more detail 

Kind of CAS--- so it's still CAS:) 

PS stamps: A Holy Holiday; PS dies: Gift Tags 2

December 19: Christmas CAS (part 3) Penguin card 

PS stamps: Winter Grooves, Feline Friends, and Christmas Sampler

That's it for me today-- be sure to stop by the Virtual Smooches blog for more inspiration! And don't forget to stop by the Paper Smooches SPARKS blog for challenges and a chance to win a Paper Smooches gift certificate! 

Thanks so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

Weight Loss for Sav

Hello, friends:) 

***Don't forget about my GIVEAWAY! Check it out HERE:) Deadline is December 31st at 11:59pm EST! Anyone can enter:)

First..... let me begin with some thanksgiving! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for all of your love and support on Facebook!!! I literally didn't expect to read or see so many of you liking and commenting on my photo! 

Not sure if you can see it in this photo--- but 325 people have liked my pic! THANK YOU! 

And honestly, I didn't even want to post these pics! I hate admitting that I was "fat"! I hate that I let this last year of trial and depression get to me... well, some of that excess weight was from that. 

Several of you have asked how I've lost the weight, what program I'm on, etc. so I've decided to create a blog post explaining what I've done the past 6 months. ***NOTE: This is not a fancy program or anything special! It's worked for me, and I pray it might work for someone else;) 

I actually wrote a bit about this journey on my deep{er} reflections post HERE. 

So what did Sav do to lose this weight: 

1. I wrote out a goal. That's the first thing I did because I am a list and goal maker. If I don't write it out, I won't do it.
2. I joined the gym... well, that's not true. I joined the gym a year BEFORE I got serious! LOL! 
3. I hired a trainer-- I love my trainer! He's so nice and really works with me (i.e. injuries, headaches) yet he still pushes me. I recommend hiring a trainer! He keeps me accountable because he is at the gym daily and would see if I was working out or not.
4. I started eating healthier. I am lucky that my trainer is also a nutritionist. He helped me look at what I eat, how much I eat, when I eat, etc. He gave me lots of good tips to help me with my weight issue (i.e. I should only eat red meat once a week, same for potatoes, etc). 

That's really it. But let me give you more details of the progress of my weight loss (***NOTE: with each step of my progress, I continued with the previous step): 

• July- I bought about 5 water bottles. I keep one full of ice water. It's always with me and I try to drink at least 8 cups of water a day.
• July- August (beginning of Sept)- I worked out 6 days a week (usually 30-60 minutes of running on the Arc and then 30-45 minutes of circuit training), one day with my trainer. I didn't worry about what I was eating because I was working on my muscles and metabolism. Sounds weird, but I really didn't watch what I was eating during these 2 months.
• In August, I downloaded the MyFitnessPal app (THANKS, Chase for telling me about it!). This is FAB! My trainer told me how many calories I should eat and this program helps me scan food for each meal and counts my calories. ***NOTE: Counting my calories doesn't mean I can't have sweets or pizza! I can still have these foods, but I watch the portion I'm eating because this program really helps me see the "size" I'm allowed to have. I also started buying fresh fruit and more veggies. I eat so many salads! LOL! 
• In September, I got a digital food scale to start weighing my food in ounces and grams. THANKS, Lori-- she actually got it for me! 
• November 14th- I hurt my ankle while running on the Arc. Since then, I've been on strict orders for complete immobilization--- that means that I've only been able to watch my calorie intake. And even while doing this, I've lost 10 lbs in a month. 

My goal for this weight loss was to do it in a HEALTHY way. I didn't want to join a program where I can't have bread or where I only eat 10 grapes for lunch. I didn't want to lose a ton of weight quickly because I want this weight to come off and STAY off! LOL! 

 Not my favorite photos, but I wanted to show you several photos from the months... After working out, I would send Trav a selfie. He's been so sweet as I've been working out and losing weight. His encouragement is what got me through all those workouts;)  

Sometimes I would smile...

Sometimes I wouldn't! Esp if Tony (my trainer) killed me that day! LOL! 

Sooooooooooo.... that's how I've done it. I am hoping to be more active in 2015... starting in February once I get this boot off! LOL! 

My goal is to lose 10 more pounds- this would bring me to my wedding weight and the weight at which I was in a modeling troupe in college 12 years ago! LOL! And the biggest thing for me, my goal for the rest of my life, is that I want to just stay active. I like the weight I'm at right now... minus the fact that NONE of my clothes fit! I really do need to go shopping:) 

I hope that this post makes sense! I pray that this post will inspire some of you to join me on this weight loss journey! 

If you have questions or comments, leave them below! I'd love to hear from you:) 

Thanks so much for stopping by and for your love and encouragement on Facebook  Be blessed:) 

Paper Smooches SPARKS: December Designer Drafts challenge

Hello, friends:}

Today we start another weekly challenge over at Paper Smooches SPARKS blog!! This week we are sharing a DESIGNER DRAFT challenge. 

This week we are inspired by the following sketch:

**Sentiments can be placed anywhere on the sketch.

Get ready for this.... I would say that I've followed this sketch 90%!!!! I did change a couple of things (i.e. flipping it, the string only goes around the diagonal panel, and the sentiment is moved-- but that's allowed! LOL!)!

This is my nephew Jackson's birthday card-- he is a HUGE farmer and I thought these papers by Pink Paislee and the Paper Smooches Green Acres stamp set would be PERFECT for this card! I also used the PS Digits stamp and die set. HAPPPPPPPPPY (early) birthday, Jackson!  *His birthday is on January 1st. 

That's it for me today--but be sure to stop by the other Paper Smooches SPARKS DT members' blogs, get inspired, and leave them some love. 

Alice

Lisa A. GDT

Erin

Jenny

And don't forget to stop by the Paper Smooches SPARKS blog for more details!!!! This challenge ends January 3rd. I cannot wait to see what you make!!! 

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}